Many people ask, “What if the hearing aid that’s supposed to help my tinnitus actually makes it worse?”
It’s a fair question — and one we hear often at our clinic in Utah County. The good news? True worsening from hearing aids is extremely rare, and when it happens, it’s almost always fixable.
Table of Contents
- Why Some People Worry About This
- What Can Go Wrong
- How Hearing Aids Actually Help Tinnitus
- Our Approach at Timpanogos Hearing & Tinnitus
- How to Get the Best Results
- Take the Tinnitus Self-Assessment
- FAQ
Why Some People Worry About This
Sam, a retired pilot from American Fork, came into my office angry. “This thing made it louder,” he said, pointing to his new hearing aid.
When we checked his device, we found it was over-amplified in the high frequencies — flooding his brain with too much sound. After reprogramming, his tinnitus quickly settled into the background.
Stories like Sam’s are rare, but they highlight how precision fitting matters. If your devices are programmed properly, hearing aids nearly always make tinnitus better, not worse.
What Can Go Wrong
While most patients find relief, a few common mistakes can make tinnitus seem worse temporarily:
1. Over-Amplification
If the hearing aid is too loud—especially in higher pitches—it can overwhelm your brain. Real Ear Measurement ensures your amplification is accurate for your hearing profile.
2. Poor Fit
A loose or uncomfortable fit can cause feedback or irritation, making you hyper-aware of tinnitus. Every ear is unique; comfort matters as much as sound.
3. Adjustment Period
When you start wearing hearing aids, you’ll suddenly hear sounds you haven’t noticed in years—footsteps, fans, even your own breathing. This can make tinnitus feel louder at first, but your brain adjusts within weeks.
4. Wrong Type of Device
Open-fit hearing aids usually work best for tinnitus because they allow natural low sounds in while amplifying highs. Closed-fit aids can cause a “plugged” sensation called occlusion, which amplifies internal noise.
How Hearing Aids Actually Help Tinnitus
More than 60% of people report noticeable relief from tinnitus after being fitted with hearing aids, and over 20% say it improves significantly (NIH).
Here’s how they help:
- Sound Amplification & Masking: Hearing aids restore missing sounds, filling the silence that the brain used to fill with phantom ringing. Everyday sounds—like the hum of the fridge or birds outside—mask tinnitus naturally.
- Brain Recalibration (Neuroplasticity): Consistent hearing stimulation helps retrain the brain to quiet down the internal noise.
- Reduced Stress & Fatigue: When you’re not straining to hear, stress levels drop—and stress is one of tinnitus’s biggest triggers.
Our Approach at Timpanogos Hearing & Tinnitus
We’ve helped thousands of people across Utah County—from Lehi to Spanish Fork—find lasting tinnitus relief through our comprehensive approach.
Our tinnitus program includes:
- Verified hearing aid fittings using Real Ear Measurement
- Personalized sound therapy (soft tones, ocean sounds, or custom masking programs)
- Lenire® treatment, an FDA-approved bimodal neuromodulation device combining gentle tongue stimulation with sound therapy (Nature Communications, 2024)
- My Tinnitus Therapy (CBT program) – an 8-week course to retrain how the brain responds to tinnitus
- Biometric monitoring – tracking stress, sleep, and lifestyle factors that affect tinnitus day-to-day
Together, these tools don’t just cover the noise—they retrain your brain and give you control back.
Learn more in our Tinnitus Treatment Options page or browse our Learning Center for free resources.
How to Get the Best Results
- Work with a tinnitus-specialized audiologist.
Experience matters. Look for professionals who use best practices like Real Ear Measurement and offer advanced tools such as Lenire® and CBT. - Be an active partner.
Share feedback about what’s working. Adjustments are part of the process. - Manage expectations.
Tinnitus relief—not a “cure”—is the goal. With the right care, your tinnitus can fade into the background of your life.
Take the Tinnitus Self-Assessment
Not sure how severe your tinnitus is—or where to start?
Take our quick Tinnitus Self Assesment belowto measure your symptom impact and see which treatment options fit your situation best. It only takes a few minutes, and it’s the perfect first step toward personalized relief.
FAQ
Can hearing aids actually make tinnitus worse?
Rarely. If they do, it’s usually due to over-amplification or poor fit. Once corrected, the tinnitus usually improves.
How long until hearing aids help tinnitus?
Most people notice relief within days to weeks as their brain adapts to new sounds.
Do all hearing aids have tinnitus programs?
No. Look for models that include sound therapy or masking features, especially if you have chronic tinnitus.
Is Lenire® available in Utah?
Yes. Our clinic in Orem offers Lenire treatment, one of the few FDA-approved tinnitus therapies available today.
What’s the best first step if I’m unsure?
Schedule a free tinnitus consultation to get a personalized evaluation and treatment plan.
